Weather Forecast

Not too soon to think about Nov. 6 election

By Carolyn LeeThe Imperial Republican All of the political campaign commercials are reminding voters that the November general election is fast approaching. It’s time to register to vote or to plan early voting strategy. Chase County Clerk Debbie Clark said ballots for the election should be received by her office before Oct. 1. That’s the day early voting starts, by mail or in person at the Chase County Courthouse. Any registered voter can cast an early-voting ballot. Mail-in voter registrations must be postmarked by Oct. 19. Registrations close at motor vehicle offices and state agencies on Oct. 19. In-person voter registration at county election offices ends at 6 p.m. Oct. 26. This includes registration changes such as updating an address. Clark said that although voters may register on the Secretary of State’s website, it’s faster to register in person at her office. Forms are now available there. Registered voters can make requests until 4 p.m. Oct. 31 for early-voting ballots to be mailed. Nov. 5 is the deadline for in-person early voting at county election offices. The Secretary of State’s website (www.sos.ne.gov) provides detailed information regarding the voting process. The website includes a voter registration form, an application for an early-voting ballot, addresses and phone numbers for county election offices, and a look-up tool that allows voters to verify their registration status. Secretary of State John Gale reminds people to update their voter registration if they have moved within a county or submit a new registration if they have moved from one county to another. He urges eligible Nebraskans to make sure they are registered to vote and then take the time to cast ballots. “Voting in Nebraska is a very user-friendly process,” he said.